#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1934-09-18

Hello my darling dance enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another installment of Ballet Tutu History! Today we're stepping back in time to a particularly dazzling era: 18th September, 1934.

Imagine: the world is still recovering from the Great War, jazz is all the rage, and tutus, my loves, are experiencing a glorious resurgence! It's a period of bold innovation, dazzling designs, and, dare I say, even a touch of whimsical rebellion against the rigid styles of the past.

Now, picture this: you're sitting in the elegant auditorium of the Paris Opera House, the air thick with anticipation. The curtain rises, and the graceful ballerinas take centre stage, their tutus swirling like clouds of tulle! Yes, my dears, 1934 was a year when the romantic tutu was at the peak of its popularity.

But, what was going on in the world of ballet on 18th September, 1934? I must admit, this particular date doesn't seem to hold a monumental ballet performance. Gasp! What? How can a Tuesday go by without an elegant pirouette? Never fear, my darlings, I have plenty to tantalise your tutu-loving souls.

Let's rewind our time-travelling clocks!

Imagine my delight upon arriving in 1934! This is a golden age for the tutu!

Think long, billowing tulle, soft as a summer breeze, often layered for extra volume, making the ballerinas seem to float across the stage. The "bell" style tutu - its wide skirt forming a rounded shape – is still very much in vogue, bringing a touch of graceful nostalgia to the stage.

A sense of effortless femininity is key. The bodice is often strapless, delicately adorned with embroidery or a smattering of rhinestones. And don't forget those colour choices: pastels were all the rage - soft pinks, blues, and lavender, reminiscent of a dreamy, whimsical fairyland.

Let's remember this wasn't just a visual feast, my dears. This voluminous silhouette demanded new artistry, a new language of movement. The ballerinas embraced it with gusto, exploring swirling arabesques and extended poses, making the tutu part of their performance story, like a delicate narrative painted across the air.

So, what were ballet lovers like me doing back then? Where else but Paris! My dear, 1934 was a magical year for the Paris Opera Ballet (remember the glorious Bolshoi from my last blog post?). The famed ballerina Olga Spessivtseva graced the stage with her exquisite artistry. Her dramatic performance in "The Dying Swan", set to the music of Saint-Saëns, captivated the entire city!

Picture her, dressed in an ethereal white tutu, the fabric seemingly melting around her body, echoing the tragic beauty of the story. I tell you, her grace, her delicate elegance - she truly brought the story to life. I can still see that haunting, shimmering tutu in my mind's eye!

But there's another side to 1934 ballet. The avant-garde movement is also gaining momentum. The legendary Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes – think stunning costumes, dramatic choreography, a complete reinvention of the ballet tradition - is in its twilight years, but its influence remains potent. Their iconic work, “The Rite of Spring”, still provokes passionate discussions and electrifies audiences.

The year 1934 was truly an extraordinary melting pot of styles. We see the classic, romantic ballet with its swirling tutus juxtaposed against the modernist interpretations that shook things up. It's an era of artistic liberation, pushing boundaries, daring to reinvent what ballet meant.

And how does this translate into your ballet world today, dear readers? You, my lovely friends, are blessed to witness the culmination of this exciting dance journey. You can take inspiration from those ethereal tutus, experiment with the flowy fabrics, the dramatic designs. I encourage you to bring your unique creativity and make the tutu YOUR statement.

Think soft layers of tulle for that graceful, ethereal look. A vibrant splash of colour for that cheeky, confident ballerina vibe. Embrace a classic bell-shape with a modern twist! There are no rules in this game!

And remember, my dear ballet devotees, it's not just about the tutu - it's about expressing yourself with joy and confidence. Embrace the elegant freedom, the dramatic potential, and the sheer fun of wearing a tutu!

I know, my dears, you know where I'm going with this! Pink! My beloved pink! It's time to step into a world where pink tutus are embraced by everyone. Embrace your individuality! Be bold! Let your passion shine through.

Just imagine, a ballet class where everyone wears pink tutus! Wouldn't that be something! A vibrant, empowering sea of pink. I dream of this future, a world where everyone embraces the tutu. Pink or not, my dear, it's time to twirl!

That's all for this week's Ballet Tutu History blog, my darlings! Remember to catch up with me next Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com for another blast from the past. Until then, keep dancing, keep twirling, and may your tutus bring you joy.

Yours in dance,

Emma x